When Apple announced the iPhone early last month with its new 8-pin Lightning dock connector, it seemed like a no-brainer that Apple would have a hefty supply of Lightning to 30-pin Adapters on hand to appease the masses. After all, Apple's decision to ditch its 9-year old 30-pin dock connector meant that customers wouldn't be able to use their existing accessories without an adapter on the iPhone 5.

Inexplicably, Apple was unable to deliver the adapters at launch even though the decision to use Lightning surely didn’t occur overnight. But nearly four weeks after the iPhone 5's release, Apple is just now getting around to shipping the adapters to customers.

Mac Rumors reports that a few Australian customers have received shipping notifications and an estimated delivery date of October 9 for the Lightning to 30-pin Adapter.

Apple's standard Lightning to 30-pin Adapter costs $29. Apple is also charging $10 more for a Lightning to 30-pin Adapter that includes an 8" cable if you need some extra length.

No. It took brains from the Apple brass. "Hey, I have an idea! Let us take our common adapter, make a smaller incompatible version of it and give it a fancy name so people will think it is something better." It takes brains to figure out new ways to milk the cash cow while still making it seem like you are innovating. "Oh, look. You know those round white headphones that we made famous. Now they are a bad idea. So buy our new ear designed headphones instead!"